James And The Western Engines: “Toad’s Adventure”

Oliver is always telling his brake van Toad about the time he made a daring escape from the scrapyard to come to Sodor. Toad and Isabella were there at the time but he has still heard the story a hundred times as they puff up and down the Little Western line. Toad wishes that he could have an adventure of his own to talk about. Later, Oliver leaves Toad in the shunting yard while he takes a passenger train. Toad is feeling bored and sad because no matter where he looks, he can see engines and other rolling stock moving forwards, unlike Toad who can only see things from behind. He decides to talk to Oliver about his problem and tells him that while he is always going backwards, he has forward thinking views and could be a leader. Gordon and Mavis tells him that he cannot be a leader unless he has a train to follow him, which makes Toad even sadder. Oliver tells him he is a Really Useful brake van, that he helps him brake and keeps trucks in order when they go down hills, though Toad says it would still be nice to go forwards for a change. Toad is happy not to have to listen to Oliver's tale again but he does not like the prospect of sitting around for ages doing nothing. Just then, James arrives looking for a brake van for his goods train. Toad pleads with James to take him with him. James agrees and soon they head off to Vicarstown. The trucks overhear everything Toad says and are hurt that he does not appreciate looking after them, so they vow to pay him out for his words. On the way, Toad has to listen to James' boasting, which is still a refreshing change from Oliver's endless stories. Soon, Toad is concerned that they are going too fast but James insists that there is nothing wrong with their speed. As they puff up Gordon's Hill, the trucks' chance comes and break away the coupling from James and go careering back down the line, much to his shock and anger. The guard jumps off his post and leaves a helpless Toad in a state of shock. At first, Toad enjoys his journey travelling forwards but his enjoyment is short-lived as he crashes through a closed crossing gate, Toad tries his best to stop the runaway train. Suddenly, Toad now realises that he is on the wrong track but narrowly avoids a very surprised Gordon, with the help of a nearby signalman. After racing through other engines and through many stations. Toad finally stopped his runaway when he prevented Duck from an accident at the Lighthouse and plunge into the sea. Sir Topham Hatt congratulated Toad for his brave efforts and scolded James for his reckless behavior. It is not long before James and Toad are heading home. Toad tells James that he can go a little faster if he wants but this time James does not want to speed up. When they return home, James thanks Toad for all his help and apologizing for any embarrassment he may have caused him. James asks him what he thought of going forwards; Toad tells him it was a fun experience but he will look forward to remaining backwards from now on as he now appreciates seeing everything from behind. Then, Oliver puffs in and starts to tell Toad all about his day. James interrupts, however, and tells Oliver that he ought to ask Toad about his adventure. Oliver finds it hard to believe that Toad has had an adventure but Toad tells him all about his thrilling adventure. Oliver says he cannot believe it but Toad says he will tell him the whole story again the next day.